If you’re a fan of Lebanese cuisine, you’re in luck. Illinois, particularly Chicago, has some fantastic Lebanese restaurants that offer a delicious range of authentic dishes. Whether you’re craving a fresh and zingy Fattoush salad, a rich and creamy hummus, or a flavorful shawarma wrap, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your taste buds. Here are the best Lebanese restaurants in Illinois:
- Taste of Lebanon Restaurant in Chicago is a no-frills, counter-serve spot serving traditional Lebanese fare including falafel, kebabs & more. It has a 4.9 star rating on Google Maps and is open from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays and 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Saturdays.
- Old Jerusalem Restaurant in Chicago is a stalwart neighborhood cafe for casual Middle Eastern dining & indoor-outdoor seating. It has a 4.5 star rating on Google Maps and is open from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily.
- Libanais Restaurant in Lincolnwood is a casual, family-run Lebanese eatery offering shawarma, kebabs & a selection of baked goods. It has a 4.4 star rating on Google Maps and is open from 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily.
- Rumi Middle Eastern Grill in Chicago is an unfussy counter-serve eatery serving Middle Eastern & Mediterranean fare such as falafel & shawarma. It has a 4.4 star rating on Google Maps and is open from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM on weekdays, 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM on Sundays.
- Ameer Kabob Mediterranean Cuisine in Chicago is a casual eatery with a variety of Middle Eastern dishes, including kebabs, falafel & shawarma. It has a 4.3 star rating on Google Maps and is open from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily.
- The Nile Restaurant in Bridgeview is a strip-mall eatery serving homemade Middle Eastern eats including kebabs, falafel & pita sandwiches. It has a 4.3 star rating on Google Maps and is open from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily.
- Al Bawadi Grill in Bridgeview is a festive & colorful strip-mall spot featuring Middle Eastern fare plus palm trees & lanterns. It has a 4.4 star rating on Google Maps and is open from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM on weekdays, 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM on Fridays, and 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM on Sundays.
Some of the most well-known Lebanese dishes are hummus, fattoush, shawarma, tabbouleh, and falafel. Hummus is a creamy dip made from chickpeas, while fattoush is a refreshing salad with crispy lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, herbs, and toasted pita chips. Shawarma, on the other hand, is a savory dish made from slow-cooked marinated meat served in a wrap, pita bread, or on a plate. Tabbouleh is a tangy salad featuring parsley, tomatoes, bulgur wheat, and lemon juice, and falafel is a deep-fried dish made from ground chickpeas, herbs, and spices.